The overall structure of a well-built home can last for hundreds of years if properly maintained. However, certain components that make up the house won’t be as resilient. While the components made of concrete, brick, steel, and even wood can last hundreds of years other components that make up the house will have to be replaced or repaired after a certain amount of time.
These are some items you can expect to last for a good 100 years provided they were installed properly
- Floors, Walls, Ceilings
- Most Types of Insulation
- Solid Wood Cabinets
- Stone Counter Tops
- Tile Floors
- Solid Wood Floors
- Steel Exterior Doors
- Plumbing System
- Electrical System
- Brick Pavers
Smaller Appliances Won’t Last More Than A Decade
Smaller-sized household appliances like trash compactors, microwave ovens, and humidifiers have a relatively shorter lifespan, usually about 8 – 10 years. Larger appliances like your fridge, range, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and water heater can usually last up to 15 years before replacing them.
Here are some other household components that have a relatively short lifespan:
- Roof (15-20 years).
- Enamel Steel Sinks (5-10 years).
- Alarm System (5-10 years).
- Carpeting (8-10 years).
- Smoke Detectors (8-10 years).
- Faucets and Fixtures (10-15 years).
- Garage Door Opener (6-8years).
- Central Air Conditioner (10-15 years).
- Asphalt (12 to 15 years).
It’s A Good Idea to Replace Some Items Early
It’s important to remember that these life expectancies are just averages and the actual life span of these items depends greatly on the quality of the appliances, proper installation, and the level of maintenance over the years. The amount of use, as well as climate and weather conditions, will also influence some of these items.
Many homeowners choose to change out some components much sooner usually because they want to update the style or just want better appliances. Another reason a homeowner may want to update is for energy efficiency thus saving money on their energy bills.
Find Out How Old The Home Is
Homebuyers should always consider how old a home is when considering a purchase. Older homes will usually require more maintenance than newer home, especially if it hasn’t been updated in a while. Newer homes should last much longer before you have to do any serious repairs or updating.
Consult Your Orlando Realtor Before Making a Decision
Your Orlando Realtor has the skills and ability to do extensive research on any home to find out exactly what has been done to it over the years. You can also see if proper permits were pulled from the city if there were any major renovations.
